Way too go Bricklayer! I too spent many hours on the sim before I went and flew. Yes, one can learn to fly RCs by themselves.

Now, get ready for all the doomsayers that will say how stupid we are for not using an instructor to teach us how to fly. I'm real suprised they have not jumped in here yet screaming how unsafe it is to teach oneself to fly! How only an instructor can teach how to safely start, taxi, and fly! Poppycock!

Again, good going!